Chelerythrine, analogs thereof and their use in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other cognitive disorders

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the use of chelerythrine and chelerythrine analogs in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of prefrontal cortical cognitive disorders, including bipolar disorder, among others.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of chelerythrine andchelerythrine analogs in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatmentof neuropsychiatric disorders that involve dysfunction of the prefrontalcortex, including bipolar disorder, among others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Converging evidence indicates that overactivity of the intracellularsignaling enzyme, protein kinase C, gives rise to manic symptomology inbipolar disorder. There are both higher levels of protein kinase C, andincreased activity of protein kinase C in the cortex of manic patients,and all effective anti-manic agents have protein kinase C blockingactivity (reviewed in Manji and Lenox, 1999). For example, the widelyused antimanic, nonselective agent lithium reduces protein kinase Cactivity by blocking inositol phosphate phosphatase and decreasing theavailability of precursor (myoinositol) in the phosphotidylinositolcascade (Sun et al., 1992). Indeed, proton magnetic resonancespectroscopy studies of bipolar patients have shown that lithiumtreatment significantly reduces myoinositol levels in the rightprefrontal cortex, a brain region strongly linked to manic symptoms (seebelow). A recent “proof of concept” study showed that tamoxifen, ananti-estrogen compound with protein kinase C-blocking activity at higherconcentrations, ameliorated manic symptoms when administered at higherdoses (Bebchuk et al., 2000), suggesting that protein kinase C blockadeis indeed therapeutic in bipolar disorder.

The prefrontal cortex regulates human behavior using working memory,inhibiting inappropriate impulses and reducing distractibility(Goldman-Rakic, 1996; Robbins, 1996). In humans, the prefrontal cortexin the right hemisphere is particularly important for inhibitinginappropriate impulses, and reduced size of this cortex correlates withdisinhibited behavior (Casey et al., 1997). Thus, the profounddisinhibition during manic episodes typifies prefrontal corticaldysfunction. This has been confirmed by imaging studies: There is areduction in size of the prefrontal cortex in patients with bipolardisorder (Drevets et al., 1997), and the medial/orbital portion of theprefrontal cortex on the right side is markedly underactive in bipolarpatients during the manic state (Blumberg et al., 1999).

Manic episodes in bipolar patients can be precipitated by exposure tostress (Hammen and Gitlin, 1997). Either environmental stressors (suchas very loud noise, e.g., greater than 95 dB) or pharmacological stress(the partial inverse benzodiazepine agonist, FG7142) can impairprefrontal cortical function in monkeys and rats, while having no effecton cognitive performance unrelated to the prefrontal cortex (Arnsten,1998; Arnsten and Goldman-Rakic, 1998; Murphy et al., 1996). Similarly,humans exposed to stressful levels of noise demonstrated deficits inprefrontal cortical function (Hartley and Adams, 1974), particularlywhen the subject experienced no control over the stressor (Glass et al.,1971). High levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are released into theprefrontal cortex during stress exposure, and these excessive levels ofcatecholamines impair prefrontal cortical function by stimulating D1dopamine receptors and alpha-1 adrenoceptors, respectively (reviewed inArnsten, 2000).

Overstimulation of D1 receptors impairs prefrontal cortical function viaexcessive activation of the protein kinase A signalling pathway (Tayloret al., 1999), while overstimulation of alpha-1 receptors impairscognitive function via excessive activation of the protein kinase Csignalling pathway (FIG. 1, and see below). As manic patients areespecially susceptible to overactivity of protein kinase C, this wouldlead to dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex, and symptoms of prefrontalcortex dysfunction such as impulsivity, distractibility, and poorjudgement, which are key features of mania.

The deficits in prefrontal cortical function that occur during stresscan be mimicked by stimulating the prefrontal cortex with anonadrenergic alpha-1 agonist. Thus, systemic administration of analpha-1 agonist that crosses the blood brain barrier (Arnsten andJentsch, 1997), or direct infusion of an alpha-1 agonist into theprefrontal cortex (Arnsten et al., 1999; Mao et al., 1999) impairsworking memory performance in monkeys and rats. This impairment can bereversed by either systemic administration or local application of analpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist (ibid; FIG. 2). Direct infusion of analpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist into the PFC also preventsstress-induced cognitive deficits, thus demonstrating the importance ofthis pathway in the stress response (Birnbaum et al., 1999, FIG. 3).

Alpha-1 adrenoceptors are most commonly linked by Gq to the phosphotidylinositol cascade and activation of protein kinase C (Duman and Nestler,1995; FIG. 1). Recent experiments indicate that both stress and alpha-1agonists impair prefrontal cortical function through activation of thisintracellular signalling pathway. The impairment induced by alpha-1adrenergic agonist infusion into the prefrontal cortex is reversed by adose regimen of lithium treatment known to suppress phosphotidylinositol turnover (Arnsten et al., 1999; FIG. 4). Similarly, oraladministration of a clinically relevant dose of lithium to monkeysprevents prefrontal cortical cognitive impairment due to the alpha-1adrenergic agonist, cirazoline (FIG. 5).

Accordingly, the need exists for selective methods of treating impairedprefrontal cortical function associated with uncontrollable stress.Similarly, the need exists for selective methods of protecting cognitiveperformance from stress exposure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have discovered in animal studies that exposure touncontrollable stress impairs prefrontal cortical function viaactivation of protein kinase C, and that administration of chelerythrineor a chelerythrine analog in accordance with the invention inhibitsharmful protein kinase C activation. Accordingly, the invention providescompositions and methods useful in treating a subject suffering from aCNS disorder, particularly a CNS disorder associated with impairedprefrontal cortical function related to activation of protein kinase Cdue to exposure to uncontrollable stress. In particular, the inventionprovides compositions and methods that treat a subject suffering fromsuch disorders by administering to the subject an effective amount ofthe selective protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine or achelerythrine analog as defined hereinafter.

Additionally, the invention provides a method of protecting a subject'scognitive performance from alpha-1 receptor stimulation or stressexposure by administering to the subject an effective amount of theselective protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine or a chelerythrineanalog.

CNS disorders that may be treated by compositions and methods of theclaimed invention include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder,schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer's Disease(behavioral symptoms).

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprising treatinga subject suffering from a disorder associated with impaired prefrontalcortical function associated with activation of protein kinase C byadministering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising aneffective amount of chelerythrine, which has the following formula:

and stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, andpolyimorphs thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprisingtreating a subject suffering from a disorder associated with impairedprefrontal cortical function associated with activation of proteinkinase C by administering to the subject a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of chelerythrine analog, which is definedherein as a compounds of formulae (I) or (II)

wherein:

-   -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from H, C₁-C₃ alkyl, F, Cl,        Br, I, OH, O(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O—C(═O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl,        C(═O)—O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, more preferably O-alkyl, even more        preferably, OCH₃;    -   R³ is H or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, preferably a methyl or ethyl,        most preferably methyl;    -   R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are independently selected from H, C₁-C₆        alkyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, —(CH₂)_(n)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl),        —(CH₂)_(n)O—C(═O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)C(═O)—O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl;    -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, preferably C₁-C₃        alkyl or together form a —(CH₂)_(m)— group to produce a        5-7-membered ring;    -   n is from 0 to 5;    -   m is from 1 to 3;    -   and A- is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion of a        pharmaceutical salt, which forms a salt with the quaternized        amine group, and can be F—, Cl—, Br—, I—, sulfate, citrate,        tartrate, phosphate, etc, or a stereoisomer, pharmaceutically        acceptable salt, solvate, and polymorph thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the compositions and methods of the inventionuse compounds of formulae (I)-(II) that represent minor modifications ofchelerythrine.

Compounds useful in the invention may be synthesized by methods readilyavailable in the art. For example, derivation of commercially availableisoquinoline analogs may readily form the third and fourth ringstructure (and even the fifth ring structure, where applicable) with anappropriately derivitized benzaldehyde to be condensed onto theisoquinoline analog.

These and other aspects of the invention are described further in thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides a schematic depiction of the phosphotidyl inositolprotein kinase C (PI/PKC) intracellular signaling cascade and itsstimulation by α-1 adrenergic receptor stimulation.

FIG. 2 illustrates that infusion of the alpha-1 agonist, phenylephrine,into rat prefrontal cortex impairs working memory, and that thisimpairment is prevented by co-infusion of the alpha-1 antagonist,urapidil.

FIG. 3 illustrates that stress exposure impairs working memory andinduces cognitive deficits in rats, and that this impairment isprevented by the infusion of the alpha-1 antagonist, urapidil, into theprefrontal cortex.

FIG. 4 shows that a dose of lithium known to suppress phosphotidylinositol turnover reverses the impairing effects of an alpha-1 agonistinfused into the prefrontal cortex or rats.

FIG. 5 illustrates that pretreatment with a clinically relevant dose oflithium (5-7.5 mg/kg p.o.) reverses the deficits induced by systemicadministration of the alpha-1 agonist cirazoline to rhesus monkeys.

FIG. 6 shows that impairment in working memory performance caused byadministration of phenylephrine is significantly blocked by co-infusionof chelerythrine.

FIG. 7 illustrates that co-infusion of chelerythrine (0.3 μg/0.5 μl)into the rat PFC significantly reversed the detrimental effects ofstress exposure.

FIG. 8 illustrates that systemic (s.c.) administration of chelerythrinesignificantly reduces the cognitive deficits induced by stress exposurein rats.

FIG. 9 illustrates that oral chelerythrine (0.03-0.3 mg/kg, p.o.)prevents stress induced prefrontal cortical dysfunction in rhesusmonkeys.

FIG. 10 illustrates a summary whereby treatment with chelerythrinereverses the detrimental effects of: A. infusions of the protein kinaseC activator, PMA, into the rat prefrontal cortex; B. infusions of thealpha-1 agonist, phenylephrine, into the rat prefrontal cortex; and C.administration of the alpha-1 agonist, sirazoline, in rhesus monkeys.This figure shows the summary of effect of PKC activation (direct orindirect) on working memory. In A., direct activation of PKC by infusionof the phorbol ester, PMA, directly into the prefrontal cortexsignificantly impaired delayed alternation performance compared tovehicle treatment in rats (ANOVA-R; vehicle+vehicle vs. PMA+vehicle: *F_(1,8)=26.45, p=0.001). A dose of PMA was found for each individualanimal that impaired delayed alternation testing (range: 0.05 to 5pg/0.5 μl). The PMA-induced working memory deficit was reversed byco-infusion of the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (CHEL, 0.3 μg/0.5 μl;PMA+vehicle vs. PMA+chelerythrine: † F_(1,8)=46.50, p<0.001).Chelerythrine had no effect on its own. B. Indirect activation of PKC byinfusion of the α-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine (PE, 0.1μg/0.5 μl) directly into the prefrontal cortex significantly impaireddelayed alternation performance compared to vehicle treatment in rats(vehicle+vehicle vs. phenylephrine+vehicle: * F_(1,8)=11.10, p=0.01).The phenylephrine-induced working memory deficit was reversed byco-infusion of chelerythrine (phenylephrine+vehicle vs.phenylephrine+chelerythrine: † F_(1,8)=8.01, p<0.022). Chelerythrine hadno effect on its own. C. In monkeys, indirect activation of PKC bysystemic administration of the α-1 adrenergic receptor agonist,cirazoline (CIRAZ) significantly impaired delayed response performancecompared to vehicle treatment (vehicle+vehicle vs. cirazoline+vehicle: *F_(1,4)=26.74, p=0.007). A dose of cirazoline (range: 0.001 to 10 μg/kg)was determined for each animal that reliably impaired delayed responsetesting. The cirazoline-induced working memory deficit was reversed bypretreatment with chelerythrine (0.03 mg/kg; cirazoline+vehicle vs.cirazoline+chelerythrine: † F_(1,4)=11.10, p=0.008). Chelerythrine hadno effect on its own.

FIG. 11 illustrates a summary whereby treatment with chelerythrinereverses the detrimental effects of: A. stress in rats; or B. stress inmonkeys. C. illustrates that infusion of chelerythrine into the ratprefrontal cortex did not reverse stress-induced freezing. This figureshows the effect of PKC inhibition on the stress-induced cognitiveimpairment in rats and monkeys. In A, the anxiogenic stressor, FG7142(range: 10 to 20 mg/kg), impaired delayed alternation performancecompared to vehicle treatment in rats (vehicle+vehicle vs.FG7142+vehicle: * ANOVA-R, F_(1,10)=25.095, p=0.001). The FG7142-inducedcognitive deficit was reversed by infusion of the PKC inhibitor,chelerythrine, into the prefrontal cortex 15 min prior to testing (0.3μg/0.5 μl; FG7142+vehicle vs. FG7142+chelerythrine: † F_(1,10)=10.170,p=0.010). In B, in monkeys, injection of FG7142 (range: 0.2 to 2.0mg/kg) significantly impaired delayed response performance compared tovehicle treatment (vehicle+vehicle vs. FG7142+vehicle: * F_(1,5)=20.69,p=0.006). The FG7142-induced cognitive deficit was reversed bypretreatment with the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (0.03 mg/kg;FG7142+vehicle vs. FG7142+chelerythrine: † F_(1,4)=21.23, p=0.006). InC, following FG7142 administration, rats often exhibit stress-relatedbehaviors such as freezing and grooming. These behaviors do not dependon prefrontal cortical function, but can increase time to complete eachtrial (average response time for each trial for vehicle+vehicle vs.FG7142+vehicle: * F_(1,10)=12.264, p=0.006). This increased responsetime induced by FG7142 was not blocked by chelerythrine (FG7142+vehiclevs. FG7142+chelerythrine: F_(1,10)=0.283, p=0.606; vehicle+vehicle vs.FG7142+chelerythrine: * F_(1,10)=14.502, p=0.003).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the following terms have the following respectivemeanings. Other terms that are used to describe the present inventionhave the same definitions as those generally used by those skilled inthe art. Specific examples recited in any definition are not intended tobe limiting in any way.

“Hydrocarbon” refers to a substituted or unsubstituted organic compound.

“Acetal” refers to a compound in which two ether oxygens are bound tothe same carbon. A “ketal” is an acetal derived from a ketone.

“Acyl” means a compound of the formula RCO, where R is aliphatic(characterized by a straight chain of carbon atoms), alicyclic (asaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one ring), or aromatic.

“Acyloxy” refers to the groups alkyl-C(O)O—, substituted alkyl-C(O)O—,cycloalkyl-C(O)O—, substituted cycloalkyl-C(O)O—, aryl-C(O)O—,heteroaryl-C(O)O—, and heterocyclic-C(O)O— wherein alkyl, substitutedalkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, andheterocyclic are as defined herein

“Alkyl” refers to a fully saturated monovalent hydrocarbon radicalcontaining carbon and hydrogen which may be a straight chain, branched,or cyclic. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-butyl,n-heptyl, isopropyl, 2-methylpropyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentylethyl and cyclohexyl. “Cycloalkyl”groups refer to cyclic alkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. C₁-C₇ alkyl groups are preferably used inthe present invention.

“Substituted alkyl” refers to alkyls as just described which include oneor more functional groups such an alkyl containing from 1 to 6 carbonatoms, preferably a lower alkyl containing 1-3 carbon atoms, aryl,substituted aryl, acyl, halogen (i.e., alkyl halos, e.g., CF₃), hydroxy,alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, amino, alkyl and dialkyl amino, acylamino, acyloxy,aryloxy, aryloxyalkyl, carboxyalkyl, carboxamido, thio, thioethers, bothsaturated and unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons, heterocycles and thelike. The term “substituted cycloalkyl” has essentially the samedefinition as and is subsurned under the term “substituted alkyl” forpurposes of describing the present invention.

“Amine” refers to aliphatic amines, aromatic amines (e.g., aniline),saturated heterocyclic amines (e.g., piperidine), and substitutedderivatives such as an alkly morpoline. “Amine” as used herein includesnitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds such as pyridine orpurine.

“Aralkyl” refers to an alkyl group with an aryl substituent, and theterm “aralkylene” refers to an alkenyl group with an aryl substituent.The term “alkaryl” refers to an aryl group that has an alkylsubstituent, and the term “alkarylene” refers to an arylene group withan alkyl substituent. The term “arylene” refers to the diradical derivedfrom aryl (including substituted aryl) as exemplified by 1,2-phenylene,1,3-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,2-naphthylene and the like.

“Alkenyl” refers to a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group typicallyalthough not necessarily containing 2 to about 24 carbon atoms and atleast one double bond, such as ethenyl, n-propenyl, isopropenyl,n-butenyl, isobutenyl, octenyl, decenyl, and the like. Generally,although again not necessarily, alkenyl groups herein contain 2 to about12 carbon atoms. The term “lower alkenyl” intends an alkenyl group oftwo to six carbon atoms, preferably two to four carbon atoms.

“Substituted alkenyl” refers to alkenyl substituted with one or moresubstituent groups, and the terms “heteroatom-containing alkenyl” and“heteroalkenyl” refer to alkenyl in which at least one carbon atom isreplaced with a heteroatom.

“Aryl” refers to a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent aromaticradical having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensed rings(e.g., naphthyl). Other examples include heterocyclic aromatic ringgroups having one or more nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms in the ring,such as imidazolyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyridyl, thienyl and indolyl, amongothers. Therefore, “aryl” as used herein includes “heteroaryls” having amono- or polycyclic ring system which contains 1 to 15 carbon atoms and1 to 4 heteroatoms, and in which at least one ring of the ring system isaromatic. Heteroatoms are sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen.

“Substituted aryl” refers to an aryl as just described that contains oneor more functional groups such as lower alkyl, acyl, aryl, halogen,alkylhalos (e.g., CF₃), hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, amino, alkyl anddialkyl amino, acylarnino, acyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxyalkyl, carboxyalkyl,carboxamido, thio, thioethers, both saturated and unsaturated cyclichydrocarbons, heterocycles and the like.

“Alkynyl” as used herein refers to a branched or unbranched hydrocarbongroup typically although not necessarily containing 2 to about 24 carbonatoms and at least one triple bond, such as ethynyl, n-propynyl,isopropynyl, n-butynyl, isobutynyl, octynyl, decynyl, and the like.Generally, although again not necessarily, alkynyl groups herein contain2 to about 12 carbon atoms. The term “lower alkynyl” intends an alkynylgroup of two to six carbon atoms, preferably three or four carbon atoms.“Substituted alkynyl” refers to alkynyl substituted with one or moresubstituent groups, and the terms “heteroatom-containing alkynyl” and“heteroalkynyl” refer to alkynyl in which at least one carbon atom isreplaced with a heteroatom.

“Alkoxy” as used herein refers to an alkyl group bound through an etherlinkage; that is, an “alkoxy” group may be represented as —O—alkyl wherealkyl is as defined above. A “lower alkoxy” group intends an alkoxygroup containing one to six, more preferably one to four, carbon atoms.

“Allenyl” is used herein in the conventional sense to refer to amolecular segment having the structure —CH═C═CH₂. An “allenyl” group maybe unsubstituted or substituted with one or more non-hydrogensubstituents.

“Anomer” as used herein means one of a pair of isomers of a cycliccarbohydrate resulting from creation of a new point of symmetry when arearrangement of atoms occurs at an aldehyde or ketone position.

“Chelerythrine analog” means a compound of formulae (I)-(IV) as definedpreviously.

“Halo” and “halogen” are used in the conventional sense to refer to achloro, bromo, fluoro or iodo substituent. The terms “haloalkyl,”“haloalkenyl” or “haloalkynyl” (or “halogenated alkyl,” “halogenatedalkenyl,” or “halogenated alkynyl”) refers to an alkyl, alkenyl oralkynyl group, respectively, in which at least one of the hydrogen atomsin the group has been replaced with a halogen atom.

“Heterocycle” or “heterocyclic” refers to a carbocylic ring wherein oneor more carbon atoms have been replaced with one or more heteroatomssuch as nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. A substitutable nitrogen on anaromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic ring may be optionallysubstituted. The heteroatoms N or S may also exist in oxidized form suchas NO, SO and SO₂. Examples of heterocycles include, but are not limitedto, piperidine, pyrrolidine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperazine,tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, 2-pyrrolidinone, δ-velerolactam,δ-velerolactone and 2-ketopiperazine, among numerous others.

“Heteroatom-containing” refers to a molecule or molecular fragment inwhich one or more carbon atoms is replaced with an atom other carbon,e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus or silicon. “Substitutedheterocycle” refers to a heterocycle as just described that contains oneor more functional groups such as lower alkyl, acyl, aryl, cyano,halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, amino, alkyl and dialkyl amino,acylamino, acyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxyalkyl, carboxyalkyl, carboxamido,thio, thioethers, both saturated and unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons,heterocycles and the like. In other instances where the term“substituted” is used, the substituents which fall under this definitionmay be readily gleaned from the other definitions of substituents whichare presented in the specification as well the circumstances under whichsuch substituents occur in a given chemical compound. One havingordinary skill in the art will recognize that the maximum number ofheteroatoms in a stable, chemically feasible heterocyclic ring, whetherit is aromatic or non-aromatic, is determined by the size of the ring,degree of unsaturation, and valence of the heteroatoms. In general, aheterocyclic ring may have one to four heteroatoms so long as theheterocyclic ring is chemically feasible and stable.

“Isostere” refers to compounds that have substantially similar physicalproperties as a result of having substantially similar electronarrangements.

“Substituted”, as in “substituted alkyl” or “substituted alkenyl”, meansthat in the hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbylene, alkyl, alkenyl or other moiety,at least one hydrogen atom bound to a carbon atom is replaced with oneor more substituents that are functional groups such as hydroxyl,alkoxy, thio, amino, halo, silyl, and the like. When the term“substituted” appears prior to a list of possible substituted groups, itis intended that the term apply to every member of that group.

“Effective amount” refers to the amount of a selected compound,intermediate or reactant which is used to produce an intended result.The precise amount of a compound, intermediate or reactant used willvary depending upon the particular compound selected and its intendeduse, the age and weight of the subject, route of administration, and soforth, but may be easily determined by routine experimentation. In thecase of the treatment of a condition or disease state, an effectiveamount is that amount which is used to effectively treat the particularcondition or disease state. Therefore, “effective amount” includesamounts of chelerythrine or chelerythrine analogs that are effective intreating CNS disorders that include, but are not limited to, bipolardisorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumaticstress disorder, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder, and Alzheimer's Disease (behavioral symptoms).

“Anxiety disorders” include affective disorders such as all types ofdepression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and dysthymia, anxietydisorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic, phobias andobsessive-compulsive disorder, stress disorders including post-traumaticstress disorder, stress-induced psychotic episodes, psychosocialdwarfism, stress headaches, and stress-related sleep disorders, and caninclude drug addiction or drug dependence.

The present invention includes the compositions comprising thepharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of compounds ofchelerythrine or chelerythrine analogs. The acids which are used toprepare the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of theaforementioned base compounds useful in this invention are those whichform non-toxic acid addition salts, i.e., salts containingpharmacologically acceptable anions, such as the hydrochloride,hydrobromide, hydroiodide, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, acidphosphate, acetate, lactate, citrate, acid citrate, tartrate,bitartrate, succinate, maleate, fumarate, gluconate, saccharate,benzoate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate,p-toluenesulfonate and pamoate [i.e., 1,1′-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3naphthoate)]salts.

The invention also includes compositions comprising base addition saltsof chelerythrine or chelerythrine analogs. The chemical bases that maybe used as reagents to prepare pharmaceutically acceptable base salts ofchelerythrine analogs that are acidic in nature are those that formnon-toxic base salts with such compounds. Such non-toxic base saltsinclude, but are not limited to those derived from suchpharmacologically acceptable cations such as alkali metal cations (eg.,potassium and sodium) and alkaline earth metal cations (e, calcium andmagnesium), ammonium or water-soluble amine addition salts such asN-methylglucamine-(meglumine), and the lower alkanolammonium and otherbase salts of pharmaceutically acceptable organic amines.

The compounds of this invention include all stereoisomers (i.e, cis andtrans isomers) and all optical isomers of chelerythrine or chelerythrineanalogs (eg., R and S enantiomers), as well as racemic, diastereomericand other mixtures of such isomers, as well as all polymorphs of thecompounds.

The compositions of the present invention may be formulated in aconventional manner using one or more pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers and may also be administered in controlled-releaseformulations. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be used inthese pharmaceutical compositions include, but are not limited to, ionexchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, suchas human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine,sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturatedvegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as prolaminesulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate,sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol,sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes,polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol andwool fat.

The compositions of the present invention may be administered orally,parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally,buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir. The term “parenteral”as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular,intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrastemal, intrathecal, intrahepatic,intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.Preferably, the compositions are administered orally, intraperitoneally,or intravenously.

Sterile injectable forms of the compositions of this invention may beaqueous or oleaginous suspension. These suspensions may be formulatedaccording to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing orwetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparationmay also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxicparenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may beemployed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloridesolution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employedas a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oilmay be employed including synthetic mono- or di-glycerides. Fatty acids,such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in thepreparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptableoils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in theirpolyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may alsocontain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, such as Ph. Helv orsimilar alcohol.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be orallyadministered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but notlimited to, capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. In thecase of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used includelactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate,are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form,useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueoussuspensions are required for oral use, the active ingredient is combinedwith emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening,flavoring or coloring agents may also be added.

Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may beadministered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration.These can be prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non-irritatingexcipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectaltemperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug.Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also beadministered topically. Suitable topical formulations are readilyprepared for each of these areas or organs. Topical application for thelower intestinal tract can be effected in a rectal suppositoryformulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation.Topically-acceptable transdermal patches may also be used.

For topical applications, the pharmaceutical compositions may beformulated in a suitable ointment containing the active componentsuspended or dissolved in one or more carriers. Carriers for topicaladministration of the compounds of this invention include, but are notlimited to, mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propyleneglycol, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax andwater. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions can be formulatedin a suitable lotion or cream containing the active components suspendedor dissolved in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitanmonostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol,2-otyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

For ophthalmic use, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated asmicronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or,preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, eitherwith our without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride.Alternatively, for ophthalmic uses, the pharmaceutical compositions maybe formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also beadministered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions areprepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceuticalformulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzylalcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhancebioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other conventional solubilizingor dispersing agents.

The amount of chelerythrine or chelerythrine analog in a pharmaceuticalcomposition of the instant invention that may be combined with thecarrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary dependingupon the host treated, the particular mode of administration.Preferably, the compositions should be formulated to contain betweenabout 10 milligrams to about 500 milligrams of active ingredient.

It should also be understood that a specific dosage and treatmentregimen for any particular patient will depend upon a variety offactors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, theage, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration,rate of excretion, drug combination, and the judgment of the treatingphysician and the severity of the particular disease or condition beingtreated.

Chelerythrine and Chelerythrine Analogs.

The benzophenanthridine alkaloid chelerythrine (1,2-dimethoxy-12-methyl[1,3]benzodioxolo[5,6-c]phenanthridinium; C₂₁H₁₈NO₄), alsoknown as toddaline, is extractable either in pure form or as a mixturewith other benzophenanthridine alkaloids from Chelidonium majus L.,Zanthoxylum simulans, Sanguinaria candensis (or bloodroot), Macleayacordata, Carydali sevctocozii, Carydali ledebouni, Chelidonium majusmand other members of Papaveracaceae. The major alkaloid in Zanthoxylumsimulans, is chelerythrine with smaller quantities of dihydro- andoxy-chelerythrine, N-acetylanomine, skimmianine, fagarine, sitosteroland sesamine.

Representative chelerythrine analogs of the present invention can besynthesized in accordance with the general synthetic methods describedbelow and are illustrated more particularly in the schemes that follow.Since the schemes are illustrative, the invention should not beconstrued as being limited by the chemical reactions and conditionsexpressed. The preparation of the various starting materials used in theschemes is well within the skill of persons versed in the art.

Unless specified to the contrary, reactions herein occur atapproximately atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of between about0° C. and the boiling point of any organic solvent used in the reaction.Inert organic solvents such as dichloromethane, diethyl ether,dimethylformamide, chloroform or tetrahydrofuran are preferred solventsin the reactions disclosed herein. Reaction times can range from aboutone hour to about forty-eight hours, and reactants optionally arestirred, shaken, or agitated. Reactions can be done in one pot or insteps, unless specified to the contrary.

In a purely illustrative example, derivation of commercially availableisoquinoline analogs may readily form the third and fourth ringstructure (and even the fifth, 1,3-dioxolane ring structure, whereapplicable) with an appropriately derivitized benzaldehyde or othercondensable intermediate, which can be condensed onto the appropriatelysubstituted isoquinoline analog to form chelerythrine or a chelerythrineanalog. Alternatively, an electrophilic benzaldehyde may be condensedwith an amine (aniline or 1-aminonaphthylene analog) to produce thechelerythrine ring structure containing the 1,3-dioxolane moiety, oralternatively. A 1,2-hydroxy phenolic group may be condensed withdibromomethane or other electrophilic compound to introduce themethylene bridge between the two hydroxyl groups of the hydroxyphenol toproduce the 1,3-dioxoane moiety of compounds according to the presentinvention. Synthetic methods for producing compounds according to thepresent invention are well known in the art and can be found, forexample, in March, Jerry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 2^(nd) Edition,McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, among numerous others.

PKC Activation and Prefrontal Cortical Function.

The influence of PKC activation on prefrontal cortical function wastested in rats and monkeys performing spatial working memory tasks thatare critically dependant upon the integrity of the prefrontal cortex.All procedures were approved by the Yale Institutional Animal Care andUse Committee. Rats were trained on the spatial delayed alternation taskin a T maze, or on a control task, spatial discrimination, which hassimilar motor and motivational demands but depends upon the posteriorcortex and not the prefrontal cortex. Performance on the delayedalternation task is dependant upon the length of the delay betweentrials. The delay was raised as needed to maintain each individualanimals performance at approximately 70% correct, allowing room forimprovement or impairment in performance following drug administration.

Following behavioral training, rats were implanted with guide cannulaeto allow drug infusions into the prefrontal cortex (stereotaxiccoordinates from bregma and skull surface: anterior +3.2 mm, lateral±0.75 mm, ventral −1.7 mm). The infusion needles projected 2.8 mm belowthe guide cannula such that the infusion site was −4.5 mm ventral toskull surface. Rats were allowed to recover for one week followingsurgery. Drug treatments were administered only after the animalachieved stable performance (60-80% correct) for two consecutive days.PKC was activated directly using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA),and selectively inhibited with chelerythrine. Local infusion of PMA intothe prefrontal cortex in rats (10 min prior to cognitive testing)significantly impaired working memory (FIG. 10A). The PMA-inducedworking memory impairment was blocked by co-administration ofchelerythrine, which had no effect on performance when administeredalone (FIG. 10A). In contrast, PMA (5 picograms PMA/0.5 μl) had noeffect on performance of the control spatial discrimination task (10 secdelays, mean performance after vehicle: 92.0%±11.0%, mean performanceafter PMA: 88.0%±13.0%, p=0.587, Tdep test). The absence of PMA effectson the control task demonstrate that the impairment of delayedalternation performance was not due to non-selective motor ormotivational effects of the drug treatment, which would be expected toalter both tasks. Instead, the results indicate that PKC activationmarkedly impairs the cognitive abilities of the prefrontal cortex.

NE α-1 adrenergic receptors are positively coupled to PKC through aGq-protein linked to the PI intracellular signaling pathway (FIG. 1).Previous studies have shown that infusion of the α-1 adrenergic receptoragonist, phenylephrine, into the prefrontal cortex impairs workingmemory in both rats (Arnsten et al., 1999; FIGS. 2, 6 and 10B) andmonkeys (Mao et al, 1999). Likewise, systemic injections of cirazoline,an α-1 adrenergic receptor agonist that crosses the blood brain barrier,impairs working memory in monkeys (FIGS. 5 and 10C). Thus, PKC wasactivated indirectly by infusing phenylephrine into the prefrontalcortex in rats (5 min prior to cognitive testing), or by systemicadministration of cirazoline in monkeys (intramuscular injections, 30min prior to cognitive testing). Monkeys had been previously trained onthe spatial delayed response task, the task most commonly used to assessprefrontal cortical function in nonhuman primates. The PKC inhibitor,chelerythrine, was administered directly into the prefrontal cortex inrats (5 min prior to cognitive testing), or systemically in monkeys(oral administration, 60 min prior to cognitive testing).

As observed previously, α-1 adrenergic receptor agonists significantlyimpaired cognitive performance in both rats and monkeys (FIGS. 10B and10C). This impairment was blocked by the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine(FIGS. 10B and 10C), indicating that NE α-1 adrenergic receptorstimulation impairs working memory via activation of the PI/PKCintracellular signaling cascade. These findings are particularlymeaningful given the previous association between increased levels of NEand mania. Together, these data demonstrate that either directactivation of PKC with a phorbol ester, or indirect activation of PKCthrough α-1 adrenergic receptor stimulation, is sufficient to impairprefrontal cortical function.

Blocking the Detrimental Effects of Stress.

It has been observed that exposure to stress can precipitate the onsetof manic episodes as well as exacerbate the severity of the symptoms.Furthermore, exposure to environmental or pharmacological (FG7142)stressors impairs cognitive performance on tasks dependent on theprefrontal cortex, while having no effects on control, non-prefrontalcortically dependent tasks in both humans and research animals. Duringstress, NE-containing cells fire rapidly in a “tonic” mode, releasinghigh levels of NE throughout the brain, including the prefrontal cortex.This “tonic” mode is associated with poor cognitive performance anddistractibility, which is likely caused by high levels of NE releasestimulating α-1 adrenergic receptors in the prefrontal cortex.

The anxiogenic stressor, FG7142, was administered systemically to rats(interperitonial injection) or monkeys (intramuscular injection) 30 minprior to cognitive testing. Chelerythrine was administered directly intothe prefrontal cortex in rats (15 min prior to cognitive testing), orsystemically in monkeys (oral administration, 60 min prior to cognitivetesting). As observed previously, FG7142 significantly impaired workingmemory in both rats and monkeys (FIGS. 11A and 11B). This cognitiveimpairment was blocked by chelerythrine (FIGS. 11A and 11B), consistentwith stress-induced activation of PKC.

It is important to note that cortical infusions of chelerythrine in ratsdid not reverse other aspects of the stress response that are unrelatedto prefrontal cortical function. For example, stressors such as FG7142induce freezing behaviors in rodents that effectively lengthen thedelays and increase the memory demands of the task (FIG. 11C).Remarkably, infusions of chelerythrine into the rat prefrontal cortexrestored normal cognitive performance even though they had no effect onresponse time in stressed animals (FIG. 11C). These findings emphasizethat endogenous (stress) as well as exogenous (PMA) activation of PKCsignaling has marked, detrimental effects on prefrontal corticalfunction, suggesting that stress exposure precipitates manic episodes byincreasing PKC activity.

The impairment induced by alpha-1 adrenergic agonist infusion into theprefrontal cortex is reversed by a dose regimen of lithium treatmentknown to suppress phosphotidyl inositol turnover in rats (Arnsten etal., 1999; FIG. 4). Applicants have determined that in monkeys, alithium dose range used to treat manic patients (5-7.5 mg/kg p.o.) canreverse the deficits induced by systemic administration of the alpha-1agonist, cirazoline (FIG. 5).

The effects of small quantities of chelerythrine infused directly intothe prefrontal cortex in rats were examined. Infusions of chelerythrine(0.3 μg/0.5 μl) into the PFC had no effect on performance by themselves,but significantly reversed the detrimental effects of either an alpha-1agonist (FIGS. 6 and 10B) or stress exposure (FIGS. 7 and 11A).Interestingly, infusion of a higher dose of chelerythrine (3.0 μg/0.51μl) did not reverse the stress response, even though this dose had noeffect when infused by itself. These data indicate that there is adefined dose range for beneficial drug effects, unrelated to observableside effects. These findings strongly supported the hypothesis thatstress-induced prefrontal cortical cognitive impairment involvesactivation of protein kinase C in the prefrontal cortex.

The invention is described further in the following examples, which areillustrative and in no way limiting.

EXAMPLE 1

Rats were injected with 0, 0.3, or 3.0 mg/kg chelerythrine s.c. in waterapproximately 45 minutes before cognitive testing; they receive aninjection of the pharmacological stressor, FG7142 (15 mg/kg, i.p.) orvehicle 30 minutes prior to cognitive testing. All drug treatments occurat least one week apart, and the order of treatments is counterbalancedbetween animals. As illustrated in FIG. 8, injection of the lower doseof chelerythrine (0.3 mg/kg, s.c., 45 min) significantly reversed thedetrimental effects of stress exposure (p=0.018, n=4). The higher doseof chelerythrine (3.0 mg/kg) did not reverse the cognitive deficits dueto stress, although it had no effect on behavior on its own (average of72.5% correct, similar to vehicle). Careful behavioral observations inthe home cage and during cognitive testing indicated no significant sideeffects with chelerythrine administration by itself at either dose;occasionally animals were reported to be “a little slower but normal”.All ratings were performed by experimenters who were very familiar withthe normative behavior of the animal but were unaware of the drugtreatment conditions.

EXAMPLE 2

Chelerythrine was administered orally to rhesus monkeys at doses ofeither 0.03/kg or 0.3 mg/kg 60 min before cognitive testing, 30 minutesprior to stress exposure (FG7142 0.2-1.0 mg/kg, i.m.). In addition tocognitive testing, monkeys are also assessed for changes in sedation,agitation, aggression, motivation, food intake, and both fine and grossmotor abilities. Four monkeys were tested. Chelerythrine pretreatmentsignificantly reversed the detrimental effects of stress on prefrontalcortical function (FIG. 9; p<0.05, n=4). Half of the monkeys showedcomplete protection with the 0.03 mg/kg dosage; the other half required0.3 mg/kg for full reversal. Chelerythrine by itself had no effect oncognitive performance, and was well-tolerated with no side effects ateither dose. Combined dose data are shown in FIG. 11.

It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoingdescription and examples are illustrative of practicing the presentinvention, but are in no way limiting. Variations of the detailpresented herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the following claims.

1. A method for treating a CNS disorder or impaired cognitiveperformance in a subject comprising administering to said subject inneed thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound or a stereoisomer, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or polymorph thereof according to the structure:

wherein: R¹ and R² are independently selected from H, C₁-C₃ alkyl, F,Cl, Br, I, OH, O(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O—C(═O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl orC(═O)—O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R³ is H or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group; R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ andR⁸ are independently selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH,—(CH₂)_(n)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —(CH₂)_(n)O—C(═O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl or—(CH₂)_(n)C(═O)—O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently H, C₁-C₆alkyl or together form a —(CH₂)_(m)— group to produce a 5-7-memberedring; n is from 0 to 5; m is from 1 to 3; and A- is a pharmaceuticallyacceptable anion of a pharmaceutical salt, which forms a salt with thequaternized amine group, optionally in combination with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier additive or excipient.
 2. A methodof claim 1 wherein R¹ and R² are both OCH₃ groups, R³ is a CH₃ group,R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are each H, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each H, CH₃ or togetherform a —CH₂— group to produce a five-membered ring; and A⁻ is Cl—,citrate or phosphate.
 3. A method of claim 2, wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰together form a —CH₂— group to produce a five-membered ring.
 4. A methodof claim 1, wherein the CNS disorder is a bipolar disorder.
 5. A methodof claim 1, wherein the CNS disorder is an anxiety disorder.
 6. A methodof claim 1, wherein the CNS disorder is stress-induced.
 7. A method ofclaim 1, wherein the CNS disorder is attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD).
 8. A method of claim 1, wherein the CNS disorder isschizophrenia.
 9. A method of claim 1, wherein said subject is treatedfor impaired cognitive performance.
 10. A method of claim 1, wherein theCNS disorder is associated with enhanced PKC activity.
 11. A method ofclaim 1, wherein the impaired cognitive performance is induced orexacerbated by stress.
 12. A method of claim 1, wherein thepharmaceutical composition is administered orally and the subject is ahuman.
 13. A method of claim 9, wherein the pharmaceutical compositionis administered orally and the subject is a human.
 14. A method of claim10, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered orally andthe subject is a human.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising aneffective amount of a compound or a stereoisomer, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate or polymorph thereof according to thestructure:

wherein: R¹ and R² are independently selected from H, C₁-C₃ alkyl, F,Cl, Br, I, OH, O(C₁-C₆ alkyl), O—C(═O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl orC(═O)—O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R³ is H or a C₁-C₆ alkyl group; R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ andR⁸ are independently selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH,—(CH₂)_(n)O(C₁-C₆ alkyl), —(CH₂)_(n)O—C(═O)—(C₁-C₆)alkyl or—(CH₂)_(n)C(═O)—O—(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently H, C₁-C₆alkyl or together form a —(CH₂)_(m)— group to produce a 5-7-memberedring; n is from 0 to 5; m is from 1 to 3; and A- is a pharmaceuticallyacceptable anion of a pharmaceutical salt, which forms a salt with thequaternized amine group, in combination with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, additive or excipient.
 16. A composition of claim 14wherein R¹ and R² are both OCH₃ groups, R³ is a CH₃ group, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶,R⁷ and R⁸ are each H, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are each H, CH₃ or together form a—CH₂— group to produce a five-membered ring; and A⁻ is Cl—, citrate orphosphate.
 17. A composition of claim 15, wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ togetherform a —CH₂— group to produce a five-membered ring.
 18. A method oftreatment comprising administering to a subject suffering from manicepisodes associated with enhanced PKC activity a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a composition according to claim
 15. 19. A method ofclaim 18, wherein the manic episodes are also stress induced.
 20. Amethod comprising protecting a subject from developing a CNS disorder byadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of apharmaceutical composition according to claim 15.